External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held high-level discussions with United Nations General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock in New Delhi, focusing on key global challenges including reforms in multilateral institutions, sustainable development goals, artificial intelligence governance, and ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia. The meeting underscored India’s active engagement with the United Nations and its emphasis on adapting global governance structures to current realities.
During the talks, Jaishankar highlighted the importance of “reformed multilateralism,” stressing that international institutions must better reflect the contemporary global order, particularly giving greater representation and voice to countries from the Global South. He noted that global decision-making frameworks need to evolve in order to remain relevant and effective in addressing modern challenges.
In a post on social media, the External Affairs Minister described the meeting as productive, stating that discussions covered UN80 initiatives, SDGs, implications of artificial intelligence, and the West Asia conflict. He also expressed appreciation for Baerbock’s leadership and her contributions to global dialogue.
Earlier in the day, UNGA President Annalena Baerbock paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat in New Delhi, honoring India’s historical legacy of peace and non-violence. She arrived in India on a two-day official visit at the invitation of the External Affairs Minister, reaffirming the strengthening partnership between India and the United Nations system.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs also welcomed her visit, stating that it reflects the country’s continued strong engagement with the United Nations. During her stay, Baerbock is scheduled to interact with officials from India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology to discuss governance and regulatory frameworks surrounding artificial intelligence.
She is also expected to meet representatives of the United Nations team in India, led by Resident Coordinator Stefan Priesner, to review ongoing cooperation between India and UN agencies. This visit marks another high-level UN engagement with India, following UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ earlier visit for an AI-focused global summit held in New Delhi.
Baerbock’s visit is particularly notable as it is her first trip to India in her capacity as President of the UN General Assembly. She has previously visited the country as Germany’s Foreign Minister, during which she emphasized India’s growing global role and its importance in shaping the international order in the 21st century.
She had also highlighted India’s significant progress in poverty reduction and described its democratic and pluralistic framework as key drivers of economic growth and stability.
After concluding her engagements in India, Baerbock is scheduled to travel to China as part of her broader diplomatic tour.
